The ring allegedly took orders for specific colors and models of Lexus sedans and other luxury vehicles from an international broker who then sold the vehicles to buyers in Nigeria and other African nations, authorities said.

Sources said that based on linguistic patterns and other postings by the same person or group of persons authorities believe the author is a well-funded Eqyptian. Experts are trying to discover if the threat is some call to action.

Among those who moved up in rank were Detective Kevin Herlihy and Officer Kevin Brennan. Herlihy was hurt in a gun fight with a suspect at a Harlem subway station last week; Brennan was shot in the head at point-blank range in Brooklyn last month.